Opening US Bank Account

I will be emigrating to the US later this year, and would like to open a US bank account before I move. I would like to be able to begin to establish a US credit history, even for simple things like a mobile phone subscription. I have read various things online that it is now difficult to do so. There seem to be some private companies that charge for the service, but I assume that this can be done in person. Has anyone done so?

Thanks

US Banks generally look for a Social Security number in order to open your Account, I can't imagine you'll have one until after you arrive and begin processing your paperwork after passing through Immigration.