Nintendo 3DS Update on it's way?

The Nintendo eShop is currently down for maintenance does this mean the firmware update is coming?

If you try connecting to the 3DS eShop at the moment you will be greeted with an error message informing you that the eShop is 'currently undergoing maintenance' when just days ago Nintendo of Europe shared the following message on the news section of the eShop

Dear customer,

On account of the upcoming system update, which will be available by 8 December, Nintendo eShop will be unavailable for a limited period while the main server undergoes essential maintenance.

Once work on the server has been completed and you have performed the update on your Nintendo 3DS system, you will be able to visit Nintendo eShop as usual and take advantage of the new features. A SpotPass notification summarising all the improvements to Nintendo eShop will be sent out soon.

Nintendo eShop team

Does this mean that the firmware update is on the way? Possibly although it could just be general maintenance or preparation for the update. Notice however Nintendo did say the update would be available 'by' 8th meaning we could be receiving it tonight or tomorrow, I guess we'll see!